Outreach Events

In addition to its subscription series in Zilkha Hall and school outreach activities, Ars Lyrica provides performances throughout the Houston community. Ars Lyrica's outreach initiative is aligned with our mission to revive important musical works and practices. Through presentations of period instruments and demonstrations of historical performance practices, we strive to demystify the music of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. An ongoing partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts has resulted in a number of programs and lectures at MFAH facilities (including Bayou Bend, Rienzi, and MFAH main galleries) that complement visual art exhibitions. Through joint events and cross-promotion with partners including Harmony in the Air,The Houston Methodist Hospital's Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Houston Early Music Festival, M.E.C.A., Theater District Open House, Discovery Green, The Children’s Museum of Houston, Foreign Consulates, and Heights Kids’ Day of Music, Ars Lyrica continues to reach out to new and diverse audiences and make a significant impact on the community.

"Ars Lyrica is one of the finest ensembles of its kind ... and greatly enriches the musical life of the City of Houston." - Robert Cole, Artistic Director, Berkeley Early Music Festival and Exhibition

“We’re so pleased for Ars Lyrica and its growing success under your direction and Matthew’s phenomenal talent. It’s a joy to see and hear!” — Adele and Toni Gorody

“What a perfect afternoon; you should be proud! It was a fete champetre, made me think of rococo and Boucher paintings....it was so lovely, I do so admire and respect you for what you are achieving with Ars Lyrica. Please keep it up and give us more Rienzi experiences. Compliments to all the performers.” — Ann Thompson, Opera lecturer

We invite you to join us and experience the music for yourself!

Rienzi Twilight Tours

Relax with a glass of wine on the Rienzi terrace and see the galleries at twilight! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, good conversation, and live music by Ars Lyrica Houston. Docents are stationed throughout the house to greet guests and talk about the collection.

Featured Artist:

Colin St. Martin, Baroque Flute

Colin St. Martin received his First Prize (bachelor of music) from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, Belgium, under the tutelage of Barthold Kuijken and continued his studies at the Early Music Institute at Indiana University where he received a master of music with performer's certificate. St. Martin is an active performer, soloist and recording artist with many of the premier early instrument orchestras and chamber ensembles in North America including Ensemble Poplinière, Opera Lafayette, the Washington Bach Consort, Ars Lyrica Houston, Mercury, The Bach Vespers of New York, Four Nations Ensemble, among others. In addition, he is co-director of Arcanum, a period instrument and vocal ensemble that performs regularly in the U.S. as well as in Europe. Beyond his performance and recording activities, St. Martin has taught master classes at many college and university schools of music such as the Eastman School of Music, the University of Alabama, Florida State University, the University of Delaware, University of Miami, Rice University, University of Houston, the University of Southern California, the University of Memphis, to name just a few.

Rienzi, the MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, is situated on four acres of wooded gardens in the historic River Oaks neighborhood, about five miles from the main MFAH campus and about two miles from Bayou Bend, the MFAH house museum for American decorative arts and paintings.

Formerly the home of philanthropists Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III, Rienzi was designed by prominent Houston architect John Staub in 1952. Opened to the public in 1999, Rienzi houses a substantial collection of European decorative arts, paintings, furnishings, porcelain, and miniatures. Rienzi welcomes visitors for tours, family programs, lectures, music performances, and a variety of special events.

Upcoming Outreach Events

Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s evening by relaxing with a glass of wine on the Rienzi terrace and exploring the house museum at twilight! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, good conversation, and live theorbo music by ALH artist Michael Leopold.